In This Episode Erin and Weer’d discuss: a minor but important change to Massachusetts’ new training requirements; the goofiness of the SKS used by the would-be Trump assassin; the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals being petitioned to stop treating the … Continue reading →

At its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, Apple announced updates coming to its various operating systems, most of which focus on its own version of AI, dubbed Apple Intelligence. MacBooks will get macOS 15, aka Sequoia, that will support Image Playground, Apple’s image generation tool, and AI composition features that can rewrite, proofread and summarize text in Mail, Notes, Pages and more. But the AI smarts will only be available to Apple laptops with an M1 chip or newer. So if you have an older model (pre-2020), or want the latest chips to get the most out of macOS 15, you might want a new MacBook. This guide will help you pick which one makes the most sense for you.

After testing every model Apple makes, we think the 13-inch MacBook Air with the M3 chip and 16GB of RAM is the best choice for most people. But there are definitely reasons to consider the cheaper M2 Air and the fully featured Pro laptops. We’ve broken down all the options to help you decide which is the best MacBook for you.

Factors to consider when buying a MacBook

Compared to PCs, Apple computers tend to have more streamlined specifications. The company has long been known for this simplicity, and the M-series “system-on-a-chip” condenses things even further. It started with the M1 chip, which has since been retired in all models. The M2 and M3 chips can be found in current-generation MacBooks, but the latest Apple silicon, the M4 chip, is only housed in the new iPad Pro. All M-series chips combine, among other technologies, the CPU, graphics card and unified memory (RAM). Apple’s Neural Engine is included too, which is a specialized group of processor cores that handles machine learning tasks such as image analysis and voice recognition. 

While a unified chip means you have fewer decisions to make when picking a MacBook, there are still a few factors to consider, including specs like the number of CPU cores, amount of RAM, storage capacity, screen size, and, obviously, price. The finish color may be a minor consideration, but it's worth pointing out that the Pro come in just two colors (Silver or Space Gray) but the Air adds two additional hues (Midnight and Starlight).

CPU cores

Currently the lowest-specced chip in a MacBook is the M2 in the 13-inch MacBook Air. It comes with an 8-core CPU and either an 8- or 10-core GPU. At the other end of the spectrum, the M3 Max chip is built with up to a 16-core CPU and a 40-core GPU. Cores are, in essence, smaller processing units that can handle different tasks simultaneously. Having more of them translates to the computer being able to run multiple programs and applications at once, while also smoothly processing demanding tasks like video editing and high-level gaming. In short, more cores allow for more advanced computing and better performance. But if your processing power needs fall below professional-level gaming and cinematic video and audio editing, getting the highest number of cores is likely overkill — and after all, more cores equals higher cost and more power usage.

RAM

Your options for RAM, or in Apple’s terminology, Unified memory, varies depending on the chip you choose. The M2 and M3 chips can be paired with 8, 16 or 24GB of RAM. The M3 Pro chip has 18 or 36GB memory options, while the most powerful M3 Max chip supports 48, 64 or a whopping 128GB of RAM.

You’ve likely heard the analogy comparing memory to the amount of workspace available on a literal desktop surface, whereas storage is the amount of drawers you have to store projects to work on later. The larger the worktop surface, the more projects you can work on at once. The bigger the drawers, the more you can save for later.

More RAM is ideal for people who plan to work in multiple apps at once. And the more demanding each program is, the more RAM will be required. Extra memory can also come in handy if you’re the type who likes to have infinite numbers of tabs open on your browser. If your daily workflow doesn’t involve simultaneously using a vast number of memory-intensive programs, you can save yourself money and buy the RAM configuration that you’re most likely to actually use.

For casual users, 8GB may be enough, however, if you can afford an upgrade to 16GB of RAM, we recommend going doing so, as modern browsers tend to be pretty memory-hungry. Investing in more RAM now will give your new MacBook a longer lifespan of reliable use. It’s also important to keep in mind that, unlike most PCs, the RAM in current-model MacBooks is not user-upgradable, so you’ll want to get what you plan on needing at the outset.

Storage capacity (SSD)

Storage options range from 256GB of SSD for the M2 MacBook Air and 8TB of storage for the MacBook Pros with the M3 Max chip. If you want to rotate between a long roster of game titles or keep lots of high-res videos on hand, you’ll want more storage. If you’re mostly working with browser- and cloud-based applications, you can get away with a smaller-capacity configuration. That said, we recommend springing for 512GB of storage or more, if it’s within your budget. You’ll quickly feel the limits of a 256GB machine as it ages since the operating system alone takes up a good portion of that space. Having 1TB will feel even roomier and allow for more data storage over the life of your laptop.

When Apple announced the iPhone 15, the company also announced new iCloud+ storage storage plans, with subscriptions that allow up to 12TB of storage. You could also transfer files to an external storage device. But if you don’t want to pay for a monthly subscription and prefer the convenience of having immediate access to your files, it’s best to get the highest amount of storage space your budget allows for at the outset.

Screen size

MacBooks come in 13-, 14-, 15- and 16-inch sizes. That might not seem like a huge difference, but, as Engadget’s Nathan Ingraham noted when he reviewed the now-retired 15-inch M2-powered MacBook Air, a larger screen "makes a surprising difference.” That’s especially true if you plan to use your laptop as an all-day productivity machine and won’t be using an external monitor. More space means you can more clearly view side-by-side windows and have a more immersive experience when watching shows or gaming.

But screen size is the main factor influencing weight. The 13-inch MacBook Air M2 weighs 2.7 pounds, whereas the top-end 16-inch MacBook Pro weighs 4.8 pounds. If you plan to travel a lot or swap your work locations regularly, a smaller screen will make life easier in the long run.

All MacBooks feature IPS LCD panels (in-plane switching, liquid crystal display), which Apple markets as Retina displays. The MacBook Air M1 has a Retina display. A Liquid Retina display comes with the M2 MacBook Air and the Liquid Retina XDR display comes with the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros. “Liquid” refers to the way the lighted portion of the display “flows” within the contours of the screen, filling the rounded corners and curving around the camera notch. “XDR” is what Apple calls HDR (high dynamic range).

Compared to most other laptops, MacBook displays are notably bright, sharp and lush. But one feature worth pointing out is another Apple marketing term: ProMotion. It’s the company’s term to describe a screen with a higher, 120Hz refresh rate, which results in smoother scrolling and more fluid-looking graphics. Only the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros offer ProMotion; the other models max out at 60Hz, which is perfectly fine for everyday browsing and typical workdays. But if you want buttery-smooth motion from your display, you’ll have to shell out more money for an upgrade.

Price

When the MacBook Air M3 came out, Apple dropped the price of the base-model, 13-inch, M2-powered Air with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. With a $999 starting price, it’s now the least expensive new MacBook you can get. Alternatively, you can spend up to $7,199 for the 16-inch MacBook Pro M3 Max with 128GB of RAM and 8TB of storage. Chip type, screen size, memory and storage capacity all influence the final price, which is why guides like this can help you determine just what you need (and what you don’t) so you can get the most cost-effective machine for you.

We recommend the MacBook Air M3 for most people, the MacBook Air M2 for students and those on a budget, and the 14- or 16-inch MacBook Pros for professionals. If you have extra money to spare once you’ve picked your machine, we recommend upgrading to at least 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage to make your machine as future-proof as possible.

Best MacBooks 

MacBook FAQs

What's the difference between MacBook Air and Pro?

The MacBook Air comes with a standard M3 or M2 chip. MacBook Pro models have the option of more powerful M3 Pro or M3 Max chips. The Pro has a higher resolution screen with a higher peak brightness that supports XDR (extreme dynamic range). The battery life on most Pro models is longer than on the Air models. Pro models also have more ports and more speakers. In short, the MacBook Air is aimed at everyday users looking for good productivity and entertainment capabilities, while Pro models are aimed at professionals who need a high-performance computer.

What's the difference between macOS and Windows?

MacOS is the operating system developed by Apple and used in all of its desktop and laptop computers. It can only be found in hardware made by Apple including MacBooks and iMacs. Microsoft’s Windows operating system can be found in the company’s own Surface laptops as well as computers made by a wide array of manufacturers, like Acer, Asus, Dell and Razer.

[Updated] A truck crashed on Middle Road in Devonshire this morning. A police spokesperson said, “Police officers are currently at the scene of a reported single vehicle collision in Devonshire. Details remain limited at this time. However, it is understood that a truck overturned along Middle Road, Devonshire, in the vicinity of Saltus Grammar [Lower […]

“There is a brush fire in the Glebe Road, Parsons Road, Pembroke area,” the police said this afternoon [Aug 7]. A police spokesperson said, “Bermuda Fire & Rescue are currently on scene. Police are diverting traffic around the area at St. Augustine’s Hill and Deepdale Road. We are asking that motorist use alternative routes where […]

The police have confirmed the death of 24-year-old Shani Simmons, which marks the fourth road fatality of the year, A police spokesperson said, “Sadly, the Bermuda Police Service [BPS] can now confirm Bermuda’s fourth road fatality of 2024, 24-year-old, Shani Simmons, and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends. “As stated in the original witness appeal […]

The Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service responded to the Airport Waste Management Facility in the east end earlier this evening [Aug 31] where the personnel worked to extinguish a blaze. Additional details are limited at this time, however we will update if able. Related Stories Photos & Videos: Fire In Devonshire Marsh Area Video: Firefighters […]

A 33-year-old woman was treated for non-life-threatening injuries after her motorcycle collided with debris on North Shore Road in Hamilton Parish, causing two hours of traffic diversions. A police spokesperson said, “At last check, a female rider hurt in a reported single vehicle Hamilton parish collision around 8:55am Monday, 30th September 2024, received treatment at […]

There has been a two vehicle road traffic collision involving a motorcar and a motorcycle in the area of Barnes Corner in Southampton Parish. A police spokesperson said, “There has been a two vehicle road traffic collision involving a motorcar and a motorcycle in the area of Barnes Corner, Southampton Parish. “Details are limited at […]

[Updated] Emergency services responded to a collision on East Broadway today [Oct 30] involving a car that crashed into the gas station building. The 83-year-old driver was not harmed, however his wife, 81, was taken to the hospital following the incident and a person in the building was also injured. Update Oct 31, 4.10pm: A police […]

[Updated] “There has been a serious road traffic collision involving two motorcycles on Blue Hole Hill, Hamilton Parish,” the police said this evening [Nov 7]. “The roadway is currently closed, with traffic being diverted through the Grotto Bay compound. Motorists heading into or out of the east end are encouraged to delay their departure, if possible […]

[Opinion column written by OBA Senate Leader Ben Smith] If you repeat a lie enough times some people will start to believe it’s the truth. The PLP did a great job of repeating to everyone that the America’s Cup was bad for Bermuda. They continue to repeat this lie every time they feel the pressure […]

[Updated with video] A female “sustained multiple gunshot wounds” and was taken to hospital for “treatment of her injuries which are considered life-threatening,” the police have confirmed. A police spokesperson said, “Around 11:10 p.m. on Monday, July 29, 2024, police and other first responders were dispatched to a confirmed firearms incident on the South Shore […]

“This was a heinous and cowardly act of violence directed at our police officers last night,” Minister of National Security Michael Weeks said. Minister Weeks said, “We are grateful that no one was hurt during this dangerous incident. This is a threat to law and order, and we must all do our part to bring the […]

A second man has now been arrested in connection with the firearm incident that occurred on August 24th, the police have confirmed. A police spokesperson said, “Around 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, the Bermuda Police Service [BPS] continued Operation Athelstan, which is the BPS response to the police shooting that occurred on Saturday, […]

A man has been injured in a shooting in the Warwick area this evening [Sept 12] the police have confirmed. A police spokesperson said, “Shortly after 9pm on Thursday, 12 September 2024, police received several 911 calls regarding gunshots being heard in the Quarry Hill Road, Warwick area. “On arrival at the scene, it was […]

A 42-year-old man was arrested in connection with the shooting in Warwick that injured a 48-year-old man, the police have confirmed. A police spokesperson said, “A suspect has been arrested in connection with the firearms incident which occurred on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Quarry Hill Road Warwick and which left a 48-year-old male with […]

Police responded to a reported armed robbery at Mr. Chicken Express in Devonshire, with the suspect brandishing a knife and stealing a “draw containing a quantity of cash from the cash register.” A police spokesperson said, “Around 10:00 p.m. on Friday, September 20, 2024, police responded to a reported armed robbery at Mr. Chicken Express on […]

Three years after the shooting at Robin Hood Restaurant, the police are urging anyone with information on this case to come forward. A police spokesperson said, “Around 6pm on Tuesday 26th October 2021, Police operations received several 911 calls from persons reporting gunshots from inside the Robin Hood Restaurant, located at #25 Richmond Road, Pembroke. “The […]

[Written by Stephen Wright] Aspiring model Nalia Mitchell had the experience of a lifetime strutting down the catwalk at the recent New York Fashion Week Festival. Mitchell was among a handful of Bermudians who successfully applied for the Model Experience, which allowed participants to walk the runway, connect with brands and designers, share the stage […]

Bermudian Aliana King has been featured by British beauty brand Charlotte Tillbury as a model for the company’s skin care products. Ms. King has also appeared in a number of other campaigns for well-known brands, including David Yurman, SKKN, FREDDY WR.UP, Nordstrom x Nike [NxN], Skims, Redken, L’Oréal, Aveda, Garnier, Maybelline, and Allure, as well as style magazines including Elle Australia, Vogue Mexico, Vogue Arabia, and Elle Mexico. […]

Gibbons Company will be opening a Converse All Stars pop-up shop on Friday [Oct 13], with the new shop — located on Church Street – set to be open Monday to Saturday from 9:30am-6.00pm until November 4th, 2023. A spokesperson said, “Gibbons Company is excited to announce the opening of the Converse All Stars pop-up shop, […]

The RMS beauty brand has launched the Bermuda Rose Kit, a limited-edition blush collection inspired by Bermuda, with a special shopping evening scheduled for October 26 at the Cassine store. A spokesperson said, “Join the Bermuda Blush global launch at Cassine. The Hamilton based clean beauty boutique launches the RMS Bermuda Rose Kit in the country […]

[Written by Stephen Wright] Yushae DeSilva-Andrade ensured she won her silver medal in dazzling style after braiding her hair in blue and pink colours for the Parapan Am Games in Santiago, Chile. DeSilva-Andrade enjoyed a Games to remember, winning the silver medal in the women’s individual BC1 division and decided to wear the eye-catching braids […]

The US debut of “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé” took place in Beverly Hills this past Saturday, with Beyoncé styled by Bermuda’s Shiona Turini. As reported by the Daily Mail, the star-studded event was graced by celebrities like Laverne Cox, Tyler Perry, Kris Jenner, Corey Gamble, Gabrielle Union, Halle Bailey, Chloe Bailey, Winnie Harlow, and […]

Bermudian Shiona Turini styled Beyonce’s Essence magazine cover for the March/April 2024 issue. Ms Turini — whose client list includes some of the most famous people in the world — recently served as a stylist for Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour. Essence released the official cover image Instagram and Twitter with the caption “Beyoncé discusses the […]

Bermudian Shiona Turini – who has worked as a fashion stylist for numerous major stars including Beyonce — received the Diamonds Do Good’s ‘Diamond Influence Award’ at an award ceremony in Las Vegas. The organization noted that the “Diamond Influence Award reflects both the prestige and enduring impact of diamonds in pop culture, while acknowledging Shiona’s […]

The New York Times featured Bermudian fashion expert Shiona Turini, in an article about her favorite jewelry, with the stylist to the stars noting that her necklace features a map of Bermuda and is locally made. The New York Times website said, “Somewhere at the bottom of the North Atlantic Ocean, in the middle of the […]

Bermudian style expert Shiona Turini has been named Stylist of the Year for 2024 by Harlem’s Fashion Row. The title isn’t the first recognition the stylist to the stars has received this year, with Ms. Turini also receiving the Diamonds Do Good’s ‘Diamond Influence Award’ in June. A post on social media said, “We’re thrilled […]

Bermudian stylist Shiona Turini helped legendary musician Usher “create a show-stopping wardrobe” for his ‘Past Present Future’ tour. A Vogue story said, “For his tour, Usher turned to stylists Yashua Simmons and Jeremy Haynes, as well as costume designer Shiona Turini, who styled Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour, as consultant to help him create a show-stopping wardrobe. […]

Bermudian stylist Shiona Turini has been named one of the best dressed attendees at Paris Fashion Week by Essence. This is only the latest honour for Ms. Turini this year, after she was named Stylist of the Year for 2024 by Harlem’s Fashion Row in August, received the Diamonds Do Good’s ‘Diamond Influence Award’ in […]

Sancho Jackson has completed his second modelling assignment after walking the runway at the Fig Buffalo Cut and Sewn show at Seneca One Tower in Buffalo, New York, last weekend. Mr Jackson, who lives in Birmingham, England, was invited to model at the event by Austin Guyett, the designer behind By A Guy, whom the […]

Bermudian clothing brand Pressure ‘Til We Perish has launched a special line of pink t-shirts to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Brand owner Vincent Darrell explained that a portion of the sales would go directly to the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre charity. “This campaign truly reflects the community Pressure ‘Til We Perish is building […]

The Court of Appeal ruled that the “Chief Justice was wrong to conclude that the Respondent’s right to freedom of expression under section 9 of the Constitution was violated by the pursuit of criminal proceedings in this case”, in relation to former police officer Barbi Bishop who was alleged to have posted an ‘All Lives […]

An 18-year-old appeared in Magistrates Court in connection with a shooting on May 2nd. 18-year-old Kentaro Bean, of Devonshire, faces multiple charges relating to discharging a firearm and possessing ammunition and a firearm. His bail was set at $50,000 with a like surety and he was placed under 24-hour house arrest with an electronic monitoring device, […]

The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in the UK has formally quashed Julian Washington’s conviction for murder and attempted murder. A spokesperson said,, “To secure Julian’s conviction, the prosecution in Bermuda relied upon the testimony of a DNA expert at trial. The jury were told Julian’s DNA was found on bullet casings recovered from […]

In a filing with the Bermuda Stock Exchange [BSX], Somers Limited announced that their shareholders “voted overwhelmingly” to approve the merger with SNB Investments Limited [SNB]. The full filing stated: “Somers Limited, a financial services investment holding company, is pleased to announce that further to the Company’s announcement on 8 July 2022, Somers’ shareholders voted […]

In a filing with the Bermuda Stock Exchange [BSX], Somers Limited announced the “shareholder approval of merger with SNB Investments.” The full filing stated: “Somers Limited, a financial services investment holding company, announces that its Board of Directors has declared a dividend of $4.55 per share to be payable to shareholders of record on 4 […]

Apex Group announced the planned acquisition of Bank of America Custodial Services [Ireland] Limited, the Irish depositary business of Bank of America. A spokesperson said, “Apex Group Ltd. [Apex], a global financial services provider, announces today the planned acquisition of Bank of America Custodial Services [Ireland] Limited [BACSIL], the Irish depositary business of Bank of […]

BroadRiver Asset Management announced that it has “completed the acquisition of the US & Bermuda businesses [“Lombard US/BDA”] of Lombard International Group.” Andrew Plevin, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of BroadRiver, said: “This transaction is an outstanding opportunity for BroadRiver and its investors and an additional step in BroadRiver’s strategic expansion into the insurance sector. We look […]

BF&M and Argus announced their Executive Leadership Committee for the new combined company, pending regulatory and shareholder approval, with the announcement noting that the appointments are “effective upon closing of transaction.” A spokesperson said, “BF&M Limited and Argus Group Holdings Limited today announced the composition of the Executive Leadership Committee for the newly combined company, […]

In a filing with the Bermuda Stock Exchange [BSX], Somers Limited announced that, effective November 1, 2024, Somers’ largest shareholder, Union Mutual Pension Fund Limited [UMPFL] has merged with General Provincial Life Pension Fund Limited [GPLPFL], with GPLPFL being the continuing entity. The full filing stated: “As a result, the 14,424,184 ordinary shares of Somers, representing […]

The MS Nautica cruise ship arrived in Bermuda on Saturday [Sept 14] and a ceremonial welcome reception and plaque exchange was held. A Government spokesperson said, “The MS Nautica arrived in Bermuda on Saturday, September 14, with 626 passengers on its inaugural voyage. It was scheduled to dock in St. George’s first, followed by Hamilton, […]

Minister of Transport Wayne Furbert provided an overview of the 2024 cruise ship season, stating that ”comparing the 2023 season, which saw 183 calls and 41 cancellations with 525,413 passengers, to 2024, we project a marginal increase of 22,651 passengers or 4.3%, and a small decrease in the number of cruise calls by 6 or 3.2%.” The Minister’s […]

The cruise ship Nautica recently visited the island, stopping in both St. George’s and the City of Hamilton during its visit. To see more of our cruise ship coverage, click here. Related Stories Photos & Video: MS Insignia In St. George’s Photos: Pride & Breakaway Ships In Dockyard Photos & Video: MS Silver Shadow Visits […]

The Bermuda Tourism Authority’s second annual Art Month in October will showcase Bermuda’s vibrant arts scene through cultural events, exhibitions, and special hotel deals for art lovers. A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Tourism Authority [BTA] is excited to announce the second annual Art Month, running throughout October. This celebration puts a spotlight on Bermuda’s vibrant […]

The Bermuda Tourism Authority [BTA] has released the KPMG Economic Impact Report for the 2023 Butterfield Bermuda Championship, stating that the “event contributed $17.7 million to Bermuda’s economy.” A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Tourism Authority [BTA] has released the KPMG Economic Impact Report for the 2023 Butterfield Bermuda Championship, revealing that the event contributed $17.7 […]

The cruise ship ‘Star Pride’ recently visited the island, and a look at the ship in the east end is below. According to the 2024 schedule, the 436 foot long ship was carrying an estimated 212 passengers and 164 crew. To see more of our cruise ship coverage, click here. Related Stories Photos & Video: […]

The cruise ship ‘MS Silver Shadow’ recently visited the island, and a look at the ship in the St. Georges Harbour is below. To see more of our cruise ship coverage, click here. Related Stories Photos & Video: MS Insignia In St. George’s Photos: Pride & Breakaway Ships In Dockyard Photos & Video: Cruise Ship […]

The Carnival Pride and Norwegian Breakaway cruise ships recently visited the island, and a look at both of the vessels in Dockyard is below. To see more of our cruise ship coverage, click here. Related Stories Photos & Video: MS Insignia In St. George’s Photos & Video: MS Silver Shadow Visits Photos & Video: Cruise […]

Ačkoliv je Albánie součástí Evropy, navíc nijak zvlášť odříznutá, občas se zdá jako by se zde zastavil čas. Ještě dnes - i když poměrně zřídka - zde potkáte rodiny či celé kmeny, které se řídí kodexem Kanun. Jedním z jeho základních kamenů je důraz na vůdčí roli muže ve společnosti. Zvláštní případ jsou ovšem takzvané burneshi, ženy, které výměnou za věčné panenství mají svobodu ale i povinnosti muže.